Seepage of water at historic Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli: The structural decay at Purani Haveli due has caused seepage of rainwater within the complex which houses Nizam's Museum. Even though security has been beefed up following theft of a few precious items like tiffin box, teacup, saucer and a spoon in 2018, structural weaknesses are showing at one of the historic palaces of erstwhile Nizam state.

Due to heavy rainfall for last three days, water has started leaking from the roof in the Nizam's Museum. Visitors are shaken by the state of affairs and appalling maintenance of the historic place. They also wonder if it is worthwhile to visit the museum when almost everything is covered in plastic covers to save them from roof leakages.

Upon visiting the place, one can find the magnificent painting of the Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan is exposed to moisture, but is at the risk of getting damaged. A security man could be asking visitors to move away from art pieces, even as water seeps in from the roof.

When The Hans India reporter visited the museum, the management rushed to cover the art pieces with plastic covers and the glass showcase where portraits are stored. They even switched off the lights so as to avoid short-circuit.

Workers were seen clearing the logged water, close to one of the showpieces that includes the portraits of Nizam's family and painting of Nizam-VII. "When I heard about Nizam and the Museum, I was very keen to visit it. If such a plight continues, the pieces at the museum will be damaged," felt Urooj Fatima, a visitor.

Speaking to The Hans India, HEH Nizam Museum Curator Ahmed Ali said that due to heavy rainfall these days, the showcase has been covered as the water is leaking from the roof. "The cracks from which the water leaks are being fixed and the total restoration works will be completed soon," he added.

History of the museum

The museum showcases the antiques and souvenirs of the affluent Nizam family. The collection includes the gifts that the last Nizam of Hyderabad state, Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah- VII received by dignitaries on his silver jubilee celebrations in 1936.

The museum also showcased the models made of silver of all the landmark buildings in Hyderabad, and recitations in Urdu. The museum also features the wardrobe of the sixth nizam which is also the world's largest wardrobe. A 150-year-old manually operated lift is also present.

The Nizam's family (Asaf Jahi dynasty) ruled the state of Deccan (Hyderabad) for 224 years since the 18th century. The museum was created at the behest of the seventh and last Nizam. The museum was opened on February 18, 2000 by the Nizam Trust to the general public.